Yep, few people get NC Dems riled up as fast as Art Pope. The way I see it, any governor has a right to have the top advisors he or she wants. There's no real controversy here. But bringing Art Pope on board sure sends a signal.

I think we should also recognize the ascendance of the John Locke Foundation as witnessed by its presence on the UNC Board of Governors. They are, after all, the most clever of the Tea Party conservatives, predating that effort and being generally well-shepherded by John Hood.